Stainless steel ladle for wax

01 · THE TEMPERATURE OF THE WAX

Never over a flame

Beeswax melts between 62 and 65 °C. Above about 85 °C it darkens and loses its scent, and over a direct flame it can reach temperatures you do not want with wax in an open ladle.

So it goes over moderate heat: an electric plate on its lowest setting or, better, a water bath — water does not go past 100 °C, and that is what stops you overshooting. And it is not left on the heat unattended.

02 · WHAT IT'S FOR

Small amounts and control

It is the tool for detail work, not for rendering a batch: sticking foundation to the frame wire, waxing plastic frames — a thin coat of fresh wax is what improves their acceptance — pouring into silicone matrices to press foundation, or filling candle moulds.

On the wire you lay a thin, quick line: the wax sets in seconds, and a thick bead leaves a ridge the bees end up chewing off.

03 · THE POURING SPOUT

The reason it exists

The spout is what separates it from any old pan: you melt and pour with the same piece, without transferring the wax to a jug and without the trail of drips that leaves.

At 220 g of its own weight it is handled one-handed even when full.

04 · CLEANING IT

Let it set

Stainless steel is cleaned by letting the wax residue set and lifting it off in one piece, or by warming it slightly and wiping with paper. The smooth surface does not hold on to it.

What you must not do is wash molten wax down the sink: it sets in the trap and blocks it.

05 · BEFORE YOU BUY

This is the ladle: